Surrounding hills

It’s not just Ben Lomond that’s worth climbing in the area around the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Across the other side of Loch Lomond are the Arrochar Alps, containing the Munros of Beinn Narnain, Beinn Ime, Ben Vane and Ben Vorlich; though the best known hill of all in this area just falls short of Munro status – The Cobbler, also known as Ben Arthur.

To the north, and accessible from the A82 to Crianlarich and Tyndrum, are a whole series of interesting hills and a wonderland for the Munro-bagger. From the northern end of Loch Lomond, heading north, are Beinn Chabhair, An Caisteal, Beinn a’Chroin, Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean, whilst the big twins of Ben More and Stob Binnein sit just to the east of Crianlarich.

On the northeastern side of The Trossachs, to the south of Loch Earn, are the Munros of Stuc a’Chroin and yet another Ben Vorlich, not to be confused with the hill of the same name at Loch Lomond. Ben Ledi is a popular hill, on the western side of Loch Lubnaig, while Ben A’an and Ben Venue overlook Loch Katrine, the principal water supply for Glasgow and parts of the Scottish central belt.

Other hills worth exploring are the Conic Hill, accessible from the village of Balmaha on Loch Lomondside; another Ben Vane (not a Munro) sitting between Loch Katrine and Loch Voil; and A’Chrois over near Arrochar.